When Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) signed up for a massive adoption event last month, staff carefully chose which dogs to bring.
They knew the puppies would draw crowds. They knew the small, fluffy, hypoallergenic dogs would have people lining up. But in their hearts, they hoped this would finally be the moment for one special senior — a gentle pittie mix named Baby Girl.
Baby Girl first arrived at OCAS in February 2024 after a Good Samaritan spotted her attempting to cross a busy interstate.
“Someone watched a timid dog try and cross a busy highway,” OCAS wrote on Facebook. “They were able to stop and get her safely into their car — possibly saving her life.”
At the shelter, Baby Girl was shy but cooperative, allowing staff to examine her after a few reassuring head pats. At 9 years old, she was healthy — and incredibly sweet.
“She is gentle with people and has shared her space with other dogs,” OCAS shared. “We don’t know her past. But we do know she deserves better than spending her senior years in a kennel.”
To give her a break from the noisy shelter environment, a volunteer named Su Morrison stepped up to foster her. It didn’t take long for Baby Girl to blossom.
Gone was the timid dog from the highway. In her foster home, she became playful and silly, showing off her goofy side.
“Having Baby in our home is a pleasure,” Morrison wrote to OCAS. “The longer she stays, the more we see what an absolute goofball she is. She’s such a happy girl.”
But as weeks turned into months, adoption applications never came. Baby Girl quietly became one of the shelter’s longest residents.
So when May’s mega adoption event rolled around, staff felt hopeful. Thousands of potential adopters would be there. Surely someone would notice her.
You can watch that moment here:
Instead, Baby Girl sat patiently while families walked past her kennel again and again. She watched as other dogs were admired, cuddled and chosen.
By the end of the weekend, 58 OCAS pets had found homes.
Baby Girl wasn’t one of them.
“No one is lining up for this sweet girl,” OCAS wrote. “No one is fighting for her. And it’s heartbreaking.”
She returned to her foster home — still waiting.
Then, something beautiful happened.
The perfect adoption application finally came through.
It was from Su Morrison.
After months of fostering, Morrison realized what her heart already knew: Baby Girl wasn’t waiting for the right family — she was already home.
On June 11, 2024, Baby Girl was officially adopted.
Today, she spends her days going on walks, enjoying car rides and soaking up love from the person who saw her worth from the very beginning.
“Another foster fail, another happy dog,” Morrison wrote.
For Baby Girl, being overlooked led her exactly where she was meant to be. And for everyone who loved her along the way, her happily-ever-after was worth the wait.
To help pets like Baby Girl get the second chances they deserve, you can donate to Orange County Animal Services here.
